The Medical Research Council’s partnership grant funds teams of researchers to build something that adds value beyond a single project: a network or consortium, a shared resource or platform, or training that builds capacity in an area that needs it. In October 2026 it moved to a new applicant-led format that runs continuously, so you can submit whenever your proposal is ready, with 14 April 2027 as the date to aim for.
The scheme opened on 12 October 2026 alongside the MRC research grant and new investigator research grant, which together replace the old responsive mode rounds. Applications are processed continuously, with shortlisting panels and interviews usually held twice a year, in November and May.
What it funds
Partnerships are about collaborative activity rather than research projects. The MRC gives examples including:
- setting up multidisciplinary partnerships or consortia, or enabling a national or international strategy in an area
- establishing a unique shared resource and helping the wider community make use of it, including staff, systems and equipment
- specialist data and software platforms
- training, career development and capacity building in an area of unmet need
- small pump-priming projects that show what the new partnership can do, as long as they are not the main focus
It will not fund applications that are mainly research, networking with no defined activity attached, partnerships that are inward looking, or new studentships and fellowships. If your idea is really a research project, the MRC research grant is the better route.
Funding and duration
There is no upper limit. The MRC pays 80% of the full economic cost (100% of permitted exceptions) for up to five years, and projects should start between nine and 18 months after you submit. You can request salary for the project lead and a small number of co-leads who contribute to the academic leadership of the partnership, technical staff, equipment that is central to the partnership, travel, data costs and public involvement. You also need to explain how the partnership will continue once MRC funding ends, as renewals are only considered in exceptional circumstances. Because budgets vary so much, the MRC strongly encourages you to talk to the relevant programme manager before applying.
Charity co-funding through the MRC Charity Co-funding Framework is now available, and you can name an agreed co-funder in your application.
Who can apply
You must be employed by an eligible UK research organisation and either direct the work or contribute to the academic leadership of the partnership. International researchers can join as project co-leads. Two rules are worth knowing before you start. You can only be project lead on one application at a time across the MRC research, partnership and new investigator grants, and the MRC no longer accepts uninvited resubmissions of applications submitted after 1 April 2026. If you have an unsuccessful application waiting to be reworked, check with the MRC first. Our blog on changes to the UKRI funding strategy explains the wider shift behind these rules.
How applications are assessed
Applications are first shortlisted by members of the MRC college of experts on ambition, expected impact and deliverability. If you are not shortlisted the application is unsuccessful, and you receive panel feedback within six weeks. Shortlisted applications go to expert review, with 14 days for you to respond to the comments, and then to an interview with the project lead and up to two co-leads. The scheme is also piloting a new way of assessing how proposals support people and teams, so build that into your approach, team capability and costs sections. For a reviewer’s perspective, read Getting a Grant Funded: A View from the Panel.
How to apply
Apply through the UKRI Funding Service, making sure you choose the partnership grant type, as applications made to the wrong grant type are rejected. Scientific and remit questions go to the programme manager for your area, which for most dementia work will be the neurosciences and mental health team. Other questions go to applicantleddiscovery@mrc.ukri.org.
Read the full details and apply
Visit funding web page
(https://www.ukri.org/opportunity/mrc-partnership-grant-applicant-led/)